Sanrio Characters’ Collab Café has extended the opening period of the cafe at Narita International Airport passenger terminal 2 until July 30. The café serves a menu of food and drink collaborated with Sanrio’s beloved characters Cinnamoroll, Hello Kitty and My Melody.  

Additional Menu: Cinnamoroll’s Fluffy Egg Pancake

  Cinnamoroll’s Fluffy Egg Pancake is on sale for a limited quantity from June 19 to celebrate Cinnamoroll’s 1st place at 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking. The pancake represents the fluffy clouds in the sky. Additionally, the 2nd edition of visit campaign limited to weekdays has been launched from June 14.  2 original coasters will be given for each menu item ordered for a limited quantity so don’t miss out!    © 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.627430

Imabari is a city in Ehime Prefecture that faces the Seto Inland Sea. Since olden times, it has flourished as an important location for marine traffic. It's home to a bounty of recognised national treasures and historical heritage sights, and is also famous for its production of citrus fruits such as mikan. Japanese pop star, model, and icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu took a trip to this ancient city to discover its wonder and beauty.   A Visit to the Historical Sea Route

   

Oyamazumi Shrine

A 'power spot' revered by prominent peopleOyamazumi Shrine has been revered by prominent figures throughout history as a place dedicated to the god of the mountain, god of the ocean, and the god of war. It's home to numerous Important Cultural Properties which are available for viewing by the public such as the armour worn by the military commander Minamoto no Yoshitsune when the Minamoto clan won the Genpei War (1180-1185), armour worn by women, and more. The shrine is also a notable power spot for the ancient tree that has stood there for 2,600 years and is now recognised as a natural monument of Japan. Power spots are places in Japan where the spiritually-inclined draw energy from.   InformationOyamazumi ShrineAddress: 3327 Omishimacho Miyaura, Imabari, Ehime 794-1393, JapanTEL: 0897-82-0032Opening Hours: Sunrise to 17:00National Treasure Building: 8:30-17:00 (Last Entries 16:30)Official Website: https://oomishimagu.jp/  

Kurushima Kaikyo Service Area

Lip-smacking food aplentyIf you're one for great views, then the Kurushima Kaikyo service area is a must-visit, offering a panoramic look at the Kurushima Strait of the Seto Inland Sea. The service area is very well know particularly for the Jaguchi Mikan Juice, something of a city legend in Ehime where you can enjoy fresh mikan juice straight from a tap. You can also tuck a rice bowl dish made with tachiuo hairtail caught in the Seto Inland Sea that's made to look like Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge, or try Imabari's soul food dish: the Imabari Yakibuta Tamago Meshi, a pork, egg, and rice bowl. Don't pass up the chance to snap a photo at the designated photo spot with the Seto Inland Sea in the back either like Kyary above.   InformationKurushima Kaikyo Service AreaAddress: 3-9-68 Ohamacho, Imabari, Ehime, 794-0002, Japan Food Court: [Weekdays] 8:00-21:00 / [Weekends & Holidays] 7:00-22:00 Shops: [Weekdays] 8:00-21:00 / [Weekends & Holidays] 7:00-22:00 Outside Shopping Area & Cafes: [Weekdays] 9:00-17:00 / [Weekends & Holidays] 9:00-18:00 Official Website: https://www.jb-highway.co.jp/sapa/kurushima.php  

Murakami Suigun Museum

Dedicated to the Imabari heroes who protected the oceanMurakami Suigun Museum is dedicated to kaizoku—pirates, or lords of the sea—something which conjures to mind villainy or bad guys, but the Murakami pirates were also considered heroes who helped maintain order and protect the sea during the Sengoku warring period of Japan. The museum features many displays of Murakami family treasures including the battle surcoat which the pirate leader wore over his armour, proudly bearing the Murakami family crest. Visitors can wear replicas of this coat, which Kyary tired herself: "Now I'm sorta like a military commander too," she said.   Information Murakami Suigun MuseumAddress: 1285 Miyakubocho Miyakubo, Imabari, Ehime 794-2203, Japan TEL: 0897-74-1065Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if the Monday falls on a public holiday) / New Year Holidays (Dec 29-Jan 3)Official Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/museum/suigun/  

Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kan

A bundle of fun and entertainment in one placeRoll on up to Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kan to enjoy a shichirin BBQ feast with fresh seafood caught in the Seto Inland Sea while gazing out across Kurushima Kaikyo. This building complex serves as a resting spot and is also the perfect place to purchase local souvenirs including Ehime specialty products. It's also famous for its offering the chance to board a boat to ride around Kurushima Kaikyo, renting out bicycles, and more. You'll also be able to meet Koro-chan, a popular fish who has lived there for 30 years.   InformationRoadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kanAddress: 4520-2 Yoshiumichomyo, Imabari, Ehime 794-2114, JapanTEL: 0897-84-3710Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00Restaurant: 10:00-16:00 (Last Orders 15:00)Closed: New Year's Day (and certain days in winter)Official Website: http://www.imabari-shimanami.jp/ikiiki/  

Dolphin Farm Shimanami

Meet the cute and friendly dolphins   Dolphin Farm Shimanami, which is connected to Hakata Beach, is the best and biggest place in Japan to interact with dolphins. Visitors can get close to them and the dolphins will show off their tricks and skills. There's even a car camping area you can stay at.   InformationDolphin Farm ShimanamiAddress: 1673 Hakatacho Kanoura, Imabari, Ehime 794-2302, JapanTEL: 0897-72-8787Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00Closed: On days with bad weathOfficial Website: https://www.df-shimanami.com/  

Hakata Beach

A white sandy beach rolling out 200-meters      Hakata Beach is located at the base of Oshima Bridge in Hakata. The beach is famous for its salt which is best tried on their popular sweet-tasting sea salt ice cream.   InformationHakata Beach Address: 1668-1 Hakatacho Kanoura, Imabari, Ehime 794-2302, Japan Sea Bathing: Early July - Late AugustOfficial Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kanko/spot/?a=198  

Imabari Towels

High quality towels woven with tradition and technique   Imabari is the biggest producer of towels in Japan. Even their white towels alone have countless types you can choose from, allowing you to pick which level of softness and comfort you want. The iconic brand logo is also impactful, capturing the quality, production, and enthusiasm that the makes have for the product. Kyary herself uses them all the time!   Information Imabari TowelOfficial Website: https://www.imabaritowel.jp/  

Sunrise Itoyama

Need a bike?Sunrise Itoyama, located in the Imabari Central Cycling Terminal, is a rental bicycle service that has bikes and helmets for everyone's needs. Rent out a bike and ride the Shimanami Sea Route which connects Ehime and Hiroshima with a series of bridges that hop across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.   Information Sunrise ItoyamaAddress: 2-8-1 Sunabacho, Imabari, Ehime 794-0001, JapanTEL: 0898-41-3196Rent-a-Cycle Details: https://www.sunrise-itoyama.jp/archives/rentacycle/Official Website: https://www.sunrise-itoyama.jp/  

Marutomi

The famous restaurant known to every localIf you want the real experience of Imabari's yakitori soul food, you should visit Marutomi, a yakitori eatery. Imabari yakitori is different from the usual Japanese yakitori as it doesn't come skewered. Instead, the chicken is cut into small pieces and fried that way. One of the most popular ways to have it is with the skin on so the outside is crunchy and the inside succulent. It goes perfect with a cup of sake too.   Information Marutomi2-3-6 Katayama, Imabari, Ehime 794-0063, JapanTEL: 0898-23-2740Opening Hours: 17:30-22:00Closed: WednesdaysOfficial Website: https://maru-marutomi.jp/  

Imabari Castle

A castle by the seaImabari Castle, built by the daimyo Tōdō Takatora, is known famously as one of Japan's three "Castles on the Sea" and was also listed in Japan's Top 100 Castles. When it was first constructed, boats could enter the moat from the ocean. It's a site that breathes the prosperity that Imabari has enjoyed as a significant location for maritime traffic, the same Imabari that the Murakami pirates sought to protect. Head on up to the top of the castle to stand on the observation deck and gaze at an unbroken view of the city.   InformationImabari CastleAddress: 3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari, Ehime, 794-0036, JapanTEL: 0898-31-9233Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00Closed: December 29 - December 31Official Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/museum/imabarijo/  

Kirosan Observatory Park

A breathtaking spectacle to rememberKirosan Observatory Park is officially recognised by Setonaikai National Park. Standing atop the observation deck fills the eyes with wonder as they gaze upon a panoramic stretch of Imabari, the Seto Inland Sea, and Kurushima Kaikyo all at once. Kyary wrapped up her time in Imabari here as the sunset coloured the sky and sea in warm evening hues.   Information Kirosan Observatory Park Address: 487-4 Yoshiumicho Minamiura, Imabari, Ehime 794-2115, JapanNo Fixed Holidays Open 24-hours a day Official Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kanko/spot/?a=182   Imabari Tourism Information: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kanko/   We hope you enjoyed joining Kyary on her adventures across Imabari, and perhaps she even got you a little curious in wanting to visit the city yourself. It's a treasure trove filled with vistas by the sea, in nature, and in the city itself with its Important Cultural Properties. Food is also a big part of travel for many people, so you can rest assured that your belly will be satisfied in Imabari as you try their speciality mikan, fresh seafood fished in the Seto Inland Sea, and more.

Narita Anime Deck opened its Gintama pop-up event last Tuesday which is set to run until July 15.   The Narita Anime Deck opened inside Narita International Airport Terminal 2 in November 2019. It’s an entertainment facility where travellers from around the world can experience and enjoy Japanese anime culture in various forms such as with character merchandise, food, events, and a variety of photo spots.The event sees anime series characters Gintoki Sakata, Toshiro Hijikata, and Okita Sougo dressed as pilots and Shinsuke Takasugi as a traveller. These designs are featured on a range of merchandise, decorations, and the food menu.   One must-grab item is the face mask case which arrives in four designs - one for each character. The food line-up includes the Uji Gintoki Don & Katsudon Hijikata Special Set. This meal and dessert comes with an Uji matcha syrup-covered anko bowl which is based off the food that Gintoki gives to a cat. You can also order a latte featuring latte art of your favourite character. For every item ordered on the menu, you get a free coaster. These come in two design collections: one is available now and will be replaced by the other on June 19.   And if you spend over ¥3,000 on Gintama merchandise at the event, you'll receive a free card. Fans can also get a free lunch mat if they spend over ¥4,000 and the shop or eat-in restaurant and show their receipts.

KADOKAWA revamped and reopened the eat-in restaurant at Narita Airport's Narita Anime Deck on October 27. Visitors can now look forward to dining at Zenkoku Gensen! Aji no Tabi Ramen Walker."   The Narita Anime Deck opened inside Narita International Airport Terminal 2 in November 2019. It's an entertainment facility where travellers from around the world can experience and enjoy Japanese anime culture in various forms such as with character merchandise, food, events, and a variety of photo spots.   The new dine-in restaurant features a long ramen menu of ramen dishes carefully selected by Ramen Walker, Japan's biggest information site for ramen. There are nine strictly-selected dishes to choose from, as well as over 50 ramens for people to buy and take home with them.

The menu will change its line-up from time to time

Customers can order any of the nine ramen dishes on their own, or they can order from several set menus which enables them to taste different ramen dishes from around Japan. There are also over 20 ramen toppings to choose from, so guests are sure to be spoilt for choice. The restaurant will also sell their own range of exclusive ramen-related merchandise.   But that's not all, as Ramen Walker Chicken is also set to open at Tokorozawa Sakura Town in Saitama on November 6 as the world's first booking-style facility where you can book a table at the most popular ramen bars across Japan.

A pop-up event for the hugely popular TV anime series Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World is set to open at Narita Anime Deck—which is located on the Main Building second floor of Narita International Airport Terminal 2—for a limited time from October 9, 2020.   The event will include a themed menu, pre-sales on Re:Zero merchandise, and more. The first week of the event will introduce a booking-only system as a precaution against COVID-19. Bookings for the cafe will run from October 9-15 and for the merchandise store from October 13-19.  

Re:Zero Entertainment Cafe

Running: October 9, 2020 - January 11, 2021

Fans of Re:Zero can look forward to tucking into a menu of themed food, drinks, and desserts, including a traditional Japanese plate topped with Emilia, Rem, and Ram wafer cakes, as well as super spicy Natsuki and Subaru black noodles, and more. Customers who order from the menu will receive a free Re:Zero coaster and lunch mat. These are limited in stock, and there are two sets of designs to get your hands on: the first will be available from October 9 and the second from November 27. And for the first four days that the cafe is open, from October 9-12, they will serve up a special matcha mont blanc cake based on the Re:Zero character Betelgeuse. Only 30 will be served per day.  

Merchandise Shop

Running: October 13, 2020 - December 14, 2020

Fans can get their hands on a merchandise pre-sales featuring items designed for the event itself. The theme of the line-up is "Isekai Inn" and includes pins, acrylic stands, mini folding screens, charms, and more.

Bonus Items

But that's not all. Customers who spend over ¥3,500 (tax included) on the merchandise in one transaction will receive one of the above postcards.   The merchandise sold at the pop-up event will also be sold at KADOKAWA's Da Vinci bookshop which is set to open inside Tokorozawa Sakura Town on November 6.

Solo Sauna Tune is a new sauna that offers "total privacy" which is set to open its first branch inside UNPLAN Kagurazaka in Tokyo this November. Most sauna facilities in Japan cater to groups, but at Solo Sauna Tune, all guests are given their own space where they can undress, bathe, and relax in their own private room. This is especially desirable during the current pandemic where social distancing is paramount, and is a great opportunity for people not wanting to travel in groups. The solo saunas are heated using sauna stoves imported from Finland. Adding water to the sauna stones lets guests control the amount of steam in the room so they can adjust as they like. There is also a Japanese white birch aroma provided to the löyly (Finnish for 'steam').   Guests can also cool off in cold water. The Chiller provides water at 15℃. There are also overhead showers for cooling down, and the showerheads can be adjusted to make the water come out like mist. The relaxation area is coloured in a stylish black where guests can kick back for a while. After using the sauna, guests can visit the powder room where there are a varieties of free amenities. There's also a café which serves craft beers, food, and other treats.